National Save Your Hearing Day: Protecting Our Ear Health
Americans end Better Speech and Hearing Month in the United States by observing National Save Your Hearing Day on May 31. NSHD raises awareness about preventable noise-induced hearing loss and teaches us how to preserve our hearing health for effective communication and quality of life.
From regular check-ups to wearing ear protection in loud environments, let us advocate for hearing health in schools and workplaces.
Key Info: National Save Your Hearing Day
- When is National Save Your Hearing Day?
Occurs annually on the 31st of May - This Year (2026):
Sunday, May 31, 2026 (date has passed) -
Future Dates
- Monday, May 31, 2027
- Wednesday, May 31, 2028
- Thursday, May 31, 2029
- Friday, May 31, 2030
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Additional Details
- Observed By: Healthcare providers, audiologists, educational institutions, and public health organizations in the US
- Where Is It Observed: United States
- Primary Theme: Hearing Health Protection and Education
- Hashtags: #SaveYourHearing #HearingHealth #HearingLossPrevention #ProtectYourHearing #HearingAwareness
Quick links: National Save Your Hearing Day
Why National Save Your Hearing Day Matters
Hearing loss can affect people of all ages, and its causes include prolonged loud noise exposure, medical conditions, and genetics. As it worsens, it can lead to social isolation, depression, and cognitive issues, as well as safety risks due to reduced awareness of essential sounds.
Limiting exposure to loud noises and seeking early intervention is crucial, especially for those aged 50 and older.
And so, annually, National Save Your Hearing Day reminds us about noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), which can result from exposure to loud environments.
NIHL affects communication and social interactions; it is also linked to tinnitus, anxiety, and depression. It also increases healthcare costs while reducing productivity.
But it is preventable. NSHD encourages us to do regular hearing assessments and protect our ears from loud noises.
Data and Statistics
According to a study by the CDC, nearly one in four Americans aged 20 to 69 years old has test results that suggest hearing loss in one or both ears is from loud noise exposure.
In the United States, the annual expenditure for workers' compensation related to hearing loss disability is around $60 million (2013 dollars).
Up to 1.35 billion young people are at risk of hearing loss due to listening to high volumes through headphones and exposure to loud music at concerts.
Exposure to noise levels above 85 decibels contributes to gradual hearing loss. For context, normal conversation occurs at about 65 decibels, the sound of a motorcycle is around 95 decibels, and a loud concert can reach up to 110 decibels.
Despite the known risks, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey indicates that only 8% of adults consistently use hearing protection devices at loud sporting or entertainment events.
How to Protect Your Hearing
- Regularly monitor your hearing health by scheduling annual check-ups with a healthcare professional. They can also prescribe you a hearing aid or hearing aids if you experience hearing loss.
- Limit exposure to loud noises by avoiding loud environments or using protective equipment such as earplugs or noise-canceling over-the-ear headphones in noisy settings.
- When using headphones, listen to music at no more than 60% of the maximum volume for 60 minutes. Give yourself a hearing detox from time to time.
- Keep your ears dry to prevent bacteria from entering the ear canal and causing middle ear infections. Gently towel-dry your ears after swimming or bathing to avoid excess moisture in your ears.
Brief Timeline of National Save Your Hearing Day
The first notable research on noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) was conducted by Alice H. Galloway, an audiologist who studied the effects of noise on the hearing of textile mill workers.
The issue of noise-induced hearing loss was brought to light in the United States with the Walsh-Healey Noise Standard, which aimed to protect workers from hazardous occupational noise exposure.
The Occupational Safety and Health Act was signed into law in the United States, including provisions for workplace noise standards.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) was established, which began extensive research and guidelines on preventing NIHL.
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) officially recognized May as Better Hearing and Speech Month, which included raising awareness about the prevention of NIHL.
The World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Prevention of Deafness and Hearing Impairment program.
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) in the United States began observing May 31 as National Save Your Hearing Day.
The WHO released the "Make Listening Safe" initiative on International Ear Care Day.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched the "Too Loud? For Too Long!" campaign, which focused on the risks of noise-induced hearing loss.
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution recognizing World Hearing Day.
The WHO's first World Report on Hearing provided evidence-based recommendations for effective interventions to prevent and address hearing loss.
National Save Your Hearing Day Hashtags
Remind others to value their sense of hearing on social media using the following hashtags:
- #SaveYourHearingDay
- #HearingHealth
- #NoisePollution
- #HearingProtection
- #HearingAwareness
Conclusion
Celebrate National Save Your Hearing Day and raise awareness of how hearing loss can result from loud sounds and unsafe listening practices. Take advantage of this campaign to protect your friends and family's hearing.
Resources:
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Every May 31, this event aims to raise awareness about protecting our hearing from noise-induced damage.
Hearing is one of the five senses of our bodies. Without it, our quality of life significantly plummets. So, as much as possible, we should do our best to protect it.
Exposure to loud noises, such as concerts, construction sites, and machinery, can eventually damage hearing.
Wear ear protection in loud environments, keep the volume low while listening to music, and take regular breaks from noise exposure.
You can spread awareness about the importance of hearing protection, support organizations that promote hearing health, and schedule a hearing test.
Mike is a degree-qualified researcher and writer passionate about increasing global awareness about climate change and encouraging people to act collectively in resolving these issues.
Fact Checked By:
Isabela Sedano, BEng.
